Interesting take on launch/retrieve Your launch process is great. Trailer further down ramp would reduce water entering over stern though Problem here for me is retrieval.If I used the same rig, other boaters at launch ramps would be very annoyed at time taken to load yak back on. The guy waiting on jetty behind you was very patient I'd have had rocks thrown at me, (maybe with luck, a full can of beer or 2) not to mention the verbal abuse, if taking that long Also, I think you would have to organise a more effective "guide on" with your retrieval rope/ramp.There was no wind at all, which is fortunate for making of this vid and people waiting to bring their own boat/s in. Your "rope flicking" technique to get yak into position over the ramp with any cross breeze would be pretty much impossible with your current setup Have a look at boat trailers with "V" type guides at rear to centre the bow. You may be able to use tubing, angled down and spread to achieve an easier retrieval process You could also seriously consider backing the trailer further into the water like most people do, up to about where axle hubs are. That way you may not need the "tube/wheel extention" at all. Just try it.....I have a dinghy as well as yak and have installed a walkway down centre if my trailer so I can grab the bow and haul it up without even getting my wet feet or slipping over on launch ramps.If you tie a long handling line (with a loop or clip) to a line tied between bow and stern handles it's very easy to then walk down the jetty to your trailer, then pull the yak over to load. The handling line will slide along the "bridle" rope towards the bow You're obviously a creative person and I wish you well, and good luck.Cheers

Last edited by rodrocket on Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:48 am, edited 1 time in total.

If you're loading that way due to physical limitations it looks like you're working harder pulling the PA on the trailer from the front with the rope than just hauling it on by hand. I also have to agree it seems you're taking a lot of time assembling the PVC extensions and loading, especially at a small ramp with others waiting. I also have a PA-14 on a trailer, and I just back the trailer far enough in to have the rear of the trailer 6 - 12" above the water line and just lift the bow on the trailer on to the PVC (it isn't heavy with the most of the kayak still in the water) then either pull it up on the trailer by hand, or get behind it and lift/push it on. It take less than a minute and I don't tie up the ramp. Physical limitations aside, I'm 64 years old and I can load mine in a lot less time and effort than this method seems to take. Nice video and I know the second person was helping film, but if I was waiting for the ramp and saw you doing things that way with a second person standing by, I would have to ask why because it takes too much time, not to mention effort. Now after the negative, on a positive note, I like the idea of the PVC extension which I think may be a good idea for more difficult access, like down a bank or across mud or gravel, but definitely not at a ramp. It would save dragging the PA across mud, etc. and probably be easier dragging it up a bank (if not too steep) when by yourself.

At a minimum you should have the extenders out and ready to snap onto the trailer mounted pipes. You might also wish to add a wench to the front of your trailer. Simply attach to your kayak and crank it up with the wench. I have added a wench to my trailer but only use it when the ramp/launch is steep.

Obviously this video was to illustrate the unloading and loading of a PA14 using his system without assistance. True it is time consuming but it does work. Personally if I see someone having trouble at the ramp, I usually lend a hand to speed things up. Two men could have those kayaks loaded in less than five minutes without use of ramps, etc. I had a PA 14 and it was a bear to load solo. That's why I sold it and got a PA 12- it's much easier. That PA 14 was also loaded to the gills- wow!!

Key point just made in the above post. I have always found that if there are other kayakers around, they/I always volunteer to help load/launch the kayaks. Maybe they just look at a wrinkled old man and feel sorry for me

Obviously this video was to illustrate the unloading and loading of a PA14 using his system without assistance. True it is time consuming but it does work. Personally if I see someone having trouble at the ramp, I usually lend a hand to speed things up. Two men could have those kayaks loaded in less than five minutes without use of ramps, etc. I had a PA 14 and it was a bear to load solo. That's why I sold it and got a PA 12- it's much easier. That PA 14 was also loaded to the gills- wow!!

Thanks Herk. You've got it. I wanted to share my alternative way I would load my kayak by myself if I had to. The assembly of the ramp on the launch ramp was for video production purposes. It can be done prior to backing up, thus not tying up the launch ramp. The big benefit is that all of my gear (wow) remains on the kayak when loading and can be put away in the parking lot. It actually would take less time on the ramp if only dealing with my one PA.

I converted a jet ski trailer. It has a winch. I back down into the water to my back wheels. I can load without getting wet, but much faster if I get knee deep. I am usually wearing waders or it is warm, so I dont mind.

I can load from the ground to right onto the pvc bunks.

_________________It's not the heat it's the humility!!!Hobie Pro Angler

Great idea! Time is of the essence however. Living in the northern states...I know I wouldn't want to set foot in the water with how early I get out when water is in the 30 degree range. One change I would suggest....switch to larger conduit on the trailer and have the smaller diamater telescope out. Simply use the pin to lock them in place and you could keep every thing attached. Pull two pins to extend it...and put them back in place..then slide it back in when your loaded. Pull up the ramp, strap it in and your ready to drive off without having to pull a drill out. You could also probably get away with adding a 45 to the end of each length and actually flare them out to the sides a bit to help center it as your pulling it on...then it would be a matter of backing the trailer up a bit farther and pulling it right up.

That's a good idea sdwalleye. If I use 3 inch pipe on the trailer, the 2 inch ramp can be slid inside. I think a "Y" push pole could be used to quickly guide it on the ramp too. That way I won't get wet at all. Thanks for your input.